Joseph J Plaud: Protecting Children from Sexual Predators Dr. Joseph J Plaud is one of Maine’s top psychologists. His expert opinion in matters concerning sexual behavior and disorders is respected. On numerous occasions, he has been called upon to testify at various hearings concerning this subject matter. He works regularly with perpetrators of sexual offences and their victims, providing counseling and guidance in their times of need. He knows that not always will victims be adults, and there are cases of children being sexually abused as well. Here, Joseph J Plaud gives readers tips on how to protect their children. Trust your gut On many occasions, offenders who target children are usually people who are close to family. The chances such a predator will be someone you know are very high. Be open to this fact. Often times, your instincts as a parent will alert you, so don’t ignore your instincts just because you know and trust the person. Never ignore your gut feeling. Listen to your child Children are imaginative, and sometimes it is easy to dismiss their tales as works of their creative minds. However, listen to your child even if the story feels outrageous. Especially if there is mention of inappropriate attention or touching, take what they say as truth. Take it upon yourself to investigate further and reveal the truth. It is your job as the parent to protect your child. Simply listening could go a long way in preventing them from encountering harm. Educate them In the current world, children are exposed to vast sources of information. The internet, for instance, is a good source of information that is available to many people. Educate your child on the presence of sexual predators on the internet. The simple act of letting them know what to look out for and what not to post online, says Joseph J Plaud, will stick with them. Be vigilant about the sites they visit and the content they are exposed to online. Communicate with them “Stranger danger” is one of the rules that schools enforce to young children. However, go the extra mile and reinforce this with solid advice. Communicate with your children what they should do in such instances, and how it is important for them to say ‘No’ when they feel uncomfortable. Let them know there is a difference between harmless secrets kept between friends and inappropriate ones that involve sexual behavior. The latter, says Joseph J Plaud, they should never keep. To get more information about Joseph J Plaud visit at http://joseph-plaud.wallinside.com/